PSES Question Codebook - 2014-15 to 2024-25 (last refreshed November 2025)

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
1	Year	Survey	Permanent Item Number	Topic	Subtopic	Lead-In Text	Item Text	Response Options

2	2014-2015	Parent	Q7b	Instruction	Evaluation of Teaching & Learning	How much do you agree with the following statements about your child's school?	My child's school meets the specific academic needs of my child.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
3	2014-2015	Parent	Q7c	Instruction	Evaluation of Teaching & Learning	How much do you agree with the following statements about your child's school?	My child's school meets the specific non-academic needs of my child (for example, behavioral and social-emotional needs).	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
4	2014-2015	Parent	Q7d	Instruction	Evaluation of Teaching & Learning	How much do you agree with the following statements about your child's school?	Teachers at my child's school encourage my child to work hard.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
5	2014-2015	Parent	Q7e	Instruction	Evaluation of Teaching & Learning	How much do you agree with the following statements about your child's school?	Teachers at my child's school give helpful comments on homework, classwork, and tests.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
6	2014-2015	Parent	Q7f	Instruction	Evaluation of Teaching & Learning	How much do you agree with the following statements about your child's school?	I am pleased with the quality of education my child's school is providing for my child.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
7	2014-2015	Parent	Q4a	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school communicates with me in a language I understand.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
8	2014-2015	Parent	Q4b	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school communicates with me in a manner that is clear and timely.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
9	2014-2015	Parent	Q4c	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school gives me information about how I can help my child be successful in school.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
10	2014-2015	Parent	Q4d	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school gives me information about what my child is expected to learn.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
11	2014-2015	Parent	Q4e	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school does a good job of letting me know about school rules and policies.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
12	2014-2015	Parent	Q4f	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school lets me know about meetings and special school events.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
13	2014-2015	Parent	Q4g	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Communication Quality	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	My child's school invites me to be included in decisions that affect my child's education.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
14	2014-2015	Parent	Q2a	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	School Relationship	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	Parent activities are scheduled at times that I can attend.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
15	2014-2015	Parent	Q2b	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	School Relationship	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	I know how to contact my child's teacher(s).	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
16	2014-2015	Parent	Q2c	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	School Relationship	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	I am treated with respect in my child's school.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
17	2014-2015	Parent	Q2d	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	School Relationship	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	I am satisfied with the response I get when I contact my child's school with questions or concerns.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
18	2014-2015	Parent	Q2f	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	School Relationship	Please mark the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:	I feel welcome in my child's school.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
19	2014-2015	Parent	Q3a	School Climate	Bullying	How much do you agree with the following statements?	Adults at my child's school treat my child with respect.	Never Rarely Occasionally Most or all of the time
20	2014-2015	Parent	Q3b	School Climate	Bullying	How much do you agree with the following statements?	My child has been bullied at school.	Never Rarely Occasionally Most or all of the time
21	2014-2015	Parent	Q3f	School Climate	Safety/Building Condition	How much do you agree with the following statements?	My child feels safe going to and from school.	Never Rarely Occasionally Most or all of the time
22	2014-2015	Parent	Q3g	School Climate	Safety/Building Condition	How much do you agree with the following statements?	My child feels safe at school.	Never Rarely Occasionally Most or all of the time
23	2014-2015	Parent	Q3h	School Climate	Safety/Building Condition	How much do you agree with the following statements?	My child's school is clean.	Never Rarely Occasionally Most or all of the time
24	2014-2015	Principal	Q11a	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Making changes to the school's curriculum and/or instructional materials	Not at all A little Some A great deal
25	2014-2015	Principal	Q11b	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Developing a school improvement plan	Not at all A little Some A great deal
26	2014-2015	Principal	Q11c	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Making decisions regarding student promotion or retention	Not at all A little Some A great deal
27	2014-2015	Principal	Q11d	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Identifying students who need additional instructional support	Not at all A little Some A great deal
28	2014-2015	Principal	Q11e	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Identifying school-level or individual-level problems with attendance, tardiness, and/or behavior	Not at all A little Some A great deal
29	2014-2015	Principal	Q11g	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Assigning teachers to students	Not at all A little Some A great deal
30	2014-2015	Principal	Q11h	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Evaluating teacher performance	Not at all A little Some A great deal
31	2014-2015	Principal	Q11i	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Focusing teacher professional development	Not at all A little Some A great deal
32	2014-2015	Principal	Q11j	Instruction	Data Use	To what extent do you use student data for the following activities?	Recognizing students for achievement	Not at all A little Some A great deal
33	2014-2015	Principal	Q12a	Instruction	External Supports	To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The District/Charter Operator...	communicates a clear academic vision for schools.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
34	2014-2015	Principal	Q12b	Instruction	External Supports	To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The District/Charter Operator...	provides appropriate support to enable principals to act as instructional leaders.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
35	2014-2015	Principal	Q12c	Instruction	External Supports	To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The District/Charter Operator...	provides appropriate instructional support for teachers.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
36	2014-2015	Principal	Q12d	Instruction	External Supports	To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The District/Charter Operator...	provides support for teaching grade-level standards to special education students (i.e., students with IEPs).	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
37	2014-2015	Principal	Q12e	Instruction	External Supports	To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The District/Charter Operator...	provides support for teaching grade-level standards to English Language Learners.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
38	2014-2015	Principal	Q13a	Other	District Assistance	Have you experienced assistance from the District with regard to any of the following:	Facilitating student achievement	Yes, from the Assistant Superintendent Yes, from someone else at the District Did not receive
39	2014-2015	Principal	Q13b	Other	District Assistance	Have you experienced assistance from the District with regard to any of the following:	Analyzing student data	Yes, from the Assistant Superintendent Yes, from someone else at the District Did not receive
40	2014-2015	Principal	Q13c	Other	District Assistance	Have you experienced assistance from the District with regard to any of the following:	Identifying research-based school improvement strategies	Yes, from the Assistant Superintendent Yes, from someone else at the District Did not receive
41	2014-2015	Principal	Q13d	Other	District Assistance	Have you experienced assistance from the District with regard to any of the following:	Aligning curriculum with state content standards and state assessments	Yes, from the Assistant Superintendent Yes, from someone else at the District Did not receive
42	2014-2015	Principal	Q13e	Other	District Assistance	Have you experienced assistance from the District with regard to any of the following:	Planning or providing professional development that is tailored to the needs of teachers	Yes, from the Assistant Superintendent Yes, from someone else at the District Did not receive
43	2014-2015	Principal	Q14a	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?	Parents and guardians treat me with respect.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
44	2014-2015	Principal	Q14b	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?	I treat parents and guardians with respect.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
45	2014-2015	Principal	Q14c	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?	I actively engage parents and guardians in their child's education.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
46	2014-2015	Principal	Q14d	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	Parent/Guardian-Community Ties	How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?	The parents and guardians of my students are actively involved in their child's education.	Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
47	2014-2015	Principal	Q3a	Professional Capacity	Peer Collaboration	During this school year (including the summer), how many times did you:	Receive formal or informal coaching or mentoring	Never 1-4 times a year 5-7 times a year Monthly or about monthly (8-9 times a year) Weekly or about weekly Daily or almost daily
48	2014-2015	Principal	Q3b	Professional Capacity	Peer Collaboration	During this school year (including the summer), how many times did you:	Participate in an informal or formal support network	Never 1-4 times a year 5-7 times a year Monthly or about monthly (8-9 times a year) Weekly or about weekly Daily or almost daily
49	2014-2015	Principal	Q3c	Professional Capacity	Peer Collaboration	During this school year (including the summer), how many times did you:	Visit other schools within and/or outside your district	Never 1-4 times a year 5-7 times a year Monthly or about monthly (8-9 times a year) Weekly or about weekly Daily or almost daily
50	2014-2015	Principal	Q3d	Professional Capacity	Peer Collaboration	During this school year (including the summer), how many times did you:	Collaborate with one or more other principals	Never 1-4 times a year 5-7 times a year Monthly or about monthly (8-9 times a year) Weekly or about weekly Daily or almost daily
51	2014-2015	Principal	Q7a	School Climate	External Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Frequent changes in district leadership	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
52	2014-2015	Principal	Q8a	School Climate	External Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Frequent changes in district initiatives	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
53	2014-2015	Principal	Q8b	School Climate	External Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Neighborhood crime/safety	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
54	2014-2015	Principal	Q8c	School Climate	External Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Students have inadequate basic skills or prior preparation	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
55	2014-2015	Principal	Q6a	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	The School Reform Commission	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
56	2014-2015	Principal	Q6b	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	District/Charter Operator administrators	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
57	2014-2015	Principal	Q6c	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	Assistant Superintendents	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
58	2014-2015	Principal	Q6d	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	Teachers in your school	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
59	2014-2015	Principal	Q6e	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	Other school staff	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
60	2014-2015	Principal	Q6f	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	Parents/guardians	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
61	2014-2015	Principal	Q6g	School Climate	Interpersonal Relationships	To what extent do you feel respected by:	Students	Not at all respected A little respected Somewhat respected Respected a great deal
62	2014-2015	Principal	Q7b	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of adequate funding	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
63	2014-2015	Principal	Q7c	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Teacher turnover	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
64	2014-2015	Principal	Q7d	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Shortage of highly qualified teachers	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
65	2014-2015	Principal	Q7e	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Teacher absences	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
66	2014-2015	Principal	Q7f	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Teachers teaching a subject or grade outside of their certification	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
67	2014-2015	Principal	Q7g	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
68	2014-2015	Principal	Q7h	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of high-quality professional development opportunities for principals	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
69	2014-2015	Principal	Q7i	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Shortage of instructional support staff (e.g., teacher aids and reading specialists)	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
70	2014-2015	Principal	Q7j	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Shortage of other support staff (e.g., nurses, counselors, and security)	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
71	2014-2015	Principal	Q7k	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Students transferring in or out of the school	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
72	2014-2015	Principal	Q7l	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Student absenteeism	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
73	2014-2015	Principal	Q7m	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Student tardiness	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
74	2014-2015	Principal	Q7n	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Inadequate textbooks, materials, or other non-technological instructional resources	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
75	2014-2015	Principal	Q7o	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of computers or other technological resources	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
76	2014-2015	Principal	Q7p	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of school resources to provide the extra help for students who need it	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
77	2014-2015	Principal	Q7q	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of support for teaching special education students (i.e., students with IEPs)	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
78	2014-2015	Principal	Q7r	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of support for teaching English Language Learners	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
79	2014-2015	Principal	Q7s	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Lack of teacher planning time built into the school day	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
80	2014-2015	Principal	Q7t	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Pressure to perform well on the state standardized tests	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
81	2014-2015	Principal	Q7u	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	School crime/safety	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
82	2014-2015	Principal	Q7v	School Climate	School Level Challenges to Student Learning	To what extent is each of the following a challenge to student learning at your school?	Problems with student transportation	Not a challenge A slight challenge A moderate challenge A great challenge
83	2014-2015	Principal	Q1e	School Leadership	Engagement: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Talking with parents and guardians	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
84	2014-2015	Principal	Q1f	School Leadership	Engagement: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Engaging with community members	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
85	2014-2015	Principal	Q1k	School Leadership	Engagement: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Interacting with teachers, counselors, and other staff at the school	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
86	2014-2015	Principal	Q1c	School Leadership	Instruction: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Instructional leadership activities (e.g., observing your teachers' classroom instruction or providing feedback to teachers regarding curriculum and instruction)	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
87	2014-2015	Principal	Q1d	School Leadership	Instruction: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Reviewing students' assessment results	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
88	2014-2015	Principal	Q1h	School Leadership	Instruction: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Planning or conducting teacher professional development workshops	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
89	2014-2015	Principal	Q1j	School Leadership	Instruction: Time spent on:	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Meeting with school leadership teams on issues related to teaching and learning	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
90	2014-2015	Principal	Q1a	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Working on administrative duties, including budgets, personnel management, or paperwork	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
91	2014-2015	Principal	Q1b	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Arranging for substitute teachers	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
92	2014-2015	Principal	Q1g	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Addressing student discipline problems	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
93	2014-2015	Principal	Q1i	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Monitoring students in the hallways, playground, lunchroom, etc.	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
94	2014-2015	Principal	Q1l	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Addressing student health issues	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
95	2014-2015	Principal	Q1m	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Counseling students	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
96	2014-2015	Principal	Q1n	School Leadership	Management: Time spent on	Please estimate how much time you typically spend on the following activities.	Building management (e.g., scheduling repairs)	0 hours/Not applicable A few times a year About every month 1-5 hours per week 6-10 hours per week 11-20 hours per week 21-30 hours per week More than 30 hours per week
97	2014-2015	Principal	Q2a	School Leadership	School-level decision making: Control over:	How much control do you have over the following:	Hiring teachers	None A little Some A great deal
98	2014-2015	Principal	Q2b	School Leadership	School-level decision making: Control over:	How much control do you have over the following:	Firing teachers	None A little Some A great deal
99	2014-2015	Principal	Q2c	School Leadership	School-level decision making: Control over:	How much control do you have over the following:	Choosing how to allocate school funds	None A little Some A great deal
100	2014-2015	Principal	Q2e	School Leadership	School-level decision making: Control over:	How much control do you have over the following:	Choosing school goals and objectives	None A little Some A great deal